Magneto-rheological clutch with sensors measuring electromagnetic field strength

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods relating to a clutch system for use in controllably transmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. The clutch system has a torque transmission fluid that has a viscosity that changes based on the strength of an electromagnetic field passing through the fluid. A number of sensors are placed at different radial locations on the torque transmission disks to detect the strength of the electromagnetic field. Based on the strength of the electromagnetic field, the amount of torque being transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft can be adjusted. Also disclosed is a distributed actuation architecture that uses this clutch system. The distributed actuation architecture allows for the use of a single drive motor in conjunction with multiple instances of the clutch system to actuate a mechanical linkage, such as a robotic arm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to torque transmission systems and, moreparticularly, it relates to a torque transmission system using a torquetransmission fluid whose viscosity changes based on the intensity orstrength of an electromagnetic field passing through the fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increasingly, we are witnessing a growing number of developments in thefield of robotics characterized by their intent to integrate man andmachine in a safe and functional manner. The suitability of amanipulator to work in close proximity with humans is determined firstby the level of safety it can guarantee towards its human counterparts.Guaranteeing safety is a difficult if not impossible exercise as we canrarely guarantee the dependability of the numerous components requiredto complete a modern manipulator. Add in the human factor, and our taskbecomes insurmountable.

Thus, much focus has been centered on interactive robots which areexpected to perform in a safe and dependable manner in unknown andunpredictable environments. Arguably, the chief safety concern is themanipulator's response to collisions with humans. Such collisions areresponsible for numerous injuries each year, despite the existence ofbarriers, and other fail-safe mechanisms. As we move closer and closertowards a shared environment between robots and humans, new approachesto manipulator design are becoming increasingly important.

Devices utilizing the unique properties of Magneto-Rheological (MR) andElectro-Rheological (ER) fluids have been developed for roboticapplications, however almost entirely for use in haptic systems. Whileit has been suggested in the literature how such devices might be usedin a manipulator to improve both safety and performance, there appearsto be a general reluctance towards adopting such technology as a viablealternative to the current solutions.

There are several sources of danger when working closely with roboticdevices. However, collisions involving robots and humans pose arguablythe largest degree of danger. It is expected that collisions will becomeunavoidable, if not routine as we continue to integrate man and machineinto a single working environment.

In the prior art, friction and other nonlinearities present in thetransmission of industrial manipulators led to the development of jointtorque controlled systems. Characterized by torque sensors located atthe joints, such manipulators are capable of achieving precise forcecontrol. Moreover, this class of manipulators can be controlled toexhibit very low impedance when operating within the controllablebandwidth. Barring the potential for high velocity collisions, i.e.,collisions having their dynamics above the controllable frequency, thisimplementation can successfully attenuate the impact loads associatedwith collisions.

However, collisions occurring above the controllable bandwidth aresubject to the open loop characteristics of the manipulator. As thedemands for performance are increased, such systems require faster andmore powerful actuators in order to successfully control and minimizeimpact forces during a collision. Any degree of safety introduced by ajoint torque controlled system relies on the proper operation of systemelectronics. Thus guaranteeing collision safety becomes difficult aselectronic components are susceptible to failure.

In attempts to guarantee the safety of humans within a shared workspace,much research has been focused on the development of manipulators whichare intrinsically safe. That is, manipulators which by means of theirmechanical properties can guarantee some level of collision safety inthe absence of a controller.

To understand the degree of safety one might associate with amanipulator, one can examine the results of an uncontrolled collisionthrough the use of the Head Injury Criterion (HIC). The HIC along withits variations have long been used by the automotive industry to gaugethe severity of collisions. In the field of robotics, it can also beused to gain similar insight. The HIC is defined as:

$\begin{matrix}{{HIC} = {\max\limits_{t_{1},t_{2}}\left\{ {\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)\left\lbrack {\frac{1}{t_{2} - t_{2}}{\int_{t_{1}}^{t_{2}}{{a(t)}\ {t}}}} \right\rbrack}^{2.5} \right\}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

where a is the acceleration of the head (in g's), and t1 and t2 aretimes within the collision selected to maximize the HIC, such thatt1<t2.

An HIC of 100 is the maximum value considered to be non-lifethreatening. To gauge how the effective inertia of a link is related toa manipulator's inherent ability to collide safely, a single axis robotcolliding with a human head is simulated. With reference to FIG. 1, theresults of the HIC show that a manipulator's safety can be improved byreducing its effective inertia. This find inspired the generation oflight weight robots.

One of the first manipulators to be designed under the lightweightparadigm was the Whole Arm Manipulator (WAM). The WAM uses steel cabletransmission allowing actuators to be located at the manipulator's base.Removing the actuators from the links reduces the associated link mass,and hence the associated link inertia. This works to improve theinherent safety of the manipulator.

According to the prior art, one manipulator uses light weight carboncomposites to form its links. Furthermore, an advanced actuator designintegrated with low weight harmonic reduction gears allows thismanipulator to attain a fully integrated light weight design.

Locating actuators at the base of the manipulator, or the use ofadvanced light weight material and actuator design successfully reduce alink's mass, and thus its associated inertia.

However, this approach in the prior art addresses only half of theproblem. Robotic manipulators make use of high performance servo motorsto drive their links. The output of these servomotors have inversecharacteristics to what is desired when actuating the manipulator. Morespecifically, servo motors produce low output torque, and at highvelocity with respect to what is suitable for most robots. To remedythis, gear reduction systems are most commonly employed. The resultingtorque at the link is the actuator torque multiplied by the gear ratioG_(r), while the reflected actuator inertia associated with the rotor ofthe motor is multiplied by G_(r) ². Thus, the effective inertiaexperienced by a robotic link can be expressed as

J _(e) =J _(l) +G _(r) ² J _(r),  (2)

where J_(l) is the inertia of the link, and Jr is the rotor inertia ofthe motor. The reflected actuator inertia of a manipulators can in factbe much larger than that of the link inertia, thereby contributing alarger share of the inertial load during collisions.

In response to this, several prior art actuation systems have beenproposed which work to decouple the reflected actuator inertia from thelink. However, none of these actuation systems provide enough of asafety margin while providing the desired performance.

Therefore, there is a need for an actuation system which would provide auseful safety margin while providing the required mass and performance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and method relating to a clutchsystem for use in controllably transmitting torque from an input shaftto an output shaft. A clutch system is equipped with input and outputtorque transmission disks coupled respectively to input and outputshafts. The input and output torque transmission disks are interleavedwith one another and a torque transmission fluid is placed in betweenthe interleaved transmission disks. The torque transmission fluid has aviscosity that changes based on the strength of an electromagnetic fieldpassing through the fluid. A number of sensors are placed at differentradial locations on the torque transmission disks to detect the strengthof the electromagnetic field. Based on the strength of theelectromagnetic field, the amount of torque being transmitted from theinput shaft to the output shaft can be adjusted.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a clutch system fortransmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft, the systemcomprising:

-   -   a plurality of input torque transmission disks coupled to said        input shaft;    -   a plurality of output torque transmission disks coupled to said        output shaft, portions of said input torque transmission disks        being interleaved with portions of said output torque        transmission disks;    -   a torque transmission fluid disposed between said interleaved        input torque transmission disks and output torque transmission        disks, said torque transmission fluid having a viscosity which        changes based on a strength of an electromagnetic field passing        through said transmission fluid;    -   field means for providing an electromagnetic field which passes        through said torque transmission fluid;    -   a plurality of sensors for measuring a strength of said        electromagnetic field at different radial positions along either        of said input torque transmission disks or said output torque        transmission disks.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method fortransmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft in a clutchsystem using a torque transmission fluid which has a viscosity thatchanges based on an electromagnetic field passing through said fluid,the method comprising:

-   -   a) activating an electromagnetic field to pass through said        torque transmission fluid;    -   b) applying an input torque to said input shaft;    -   c) determining a strength of said electromagnetic field;    -   d) estimating an amount of torque being transmitted from said        input shaft to said output shaft;    -   e) adjusting said electromagnetic field based on said amount of        torque estimated in step d)    -   f) repeating steps c)-e) until a desired amount of torque is        being transmitted from said input shaft to said output shaft.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a system forbi-directional torque transmission from a single drive motor, the systemcomprising:

-   -   at least one pair of torque transmission clutches, a first one        of said torque transmission clutches being for transmitting        torque in a first direction when said first clutch is activated,        a second one of said torque transmission clutches being for        transmitting torque in a second direction when said second        clutch is activated, said second direction being opposite said        first direction;    -   transmission means for simultaneously transferring torque to        each one of said torque transmission clutches from said drive        motor;        wherein    -   for the or each pair of torque transmission clutches, each        clutch comprises a torque transmission fluid with a viscosity        which depends on an intensity of an electromagnetic field        passing through said fluid.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a system foractuating at least one robotic arm in a robot, the system comprising:

-   -   a single drive motor located at a base of said robot;    -   a plurality of clutch sub-systems mechanically coupled to said        drive motor and to said at least one robotic arm, said clutch        sub-systems operating to transmit torque from said drive motor        to said at least one robotic arm        wherein at least one of said plurality of clutch sub-systems        transmits torque from an input shaft to an output shaft and        comprises:    -   said input shaft and said output shaft;        -   a plurality of input torque transmission disks coupled to            said input shaft;        -   a plurality of output torque transmission disks coupled to            said output shaft, portions of said input torque            transmission disks being interleaved with portions of said            output torque transmission disks;        -   a torque transmission fluid disposed between said            interleaved input torque transmission disks and output            torque transmission disks, said torque transmission fluid            having a viscosity which changes based on a strength of an            electromagnetic field passing through said transmission            fluid;        -   field means for providing an electromagnetic field which            passes through said torque transmission fluid;        -   a plurality of sensors for measuring a strength of said            electromagnetic field at different radial positions along            either of said input torque transmission disks or said            output torque transmission disks.

In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a system for actuatingat least one robotic arm in a robot, the system comprising:

-   -   a single drive motor located at a base of said robot;    -   a plurality of clutch sub-systems mechanically coupled to said        drive motor and to said at least one robotic arm, said clutch        sub-systems operating to transmit torque from said drive motor        to said at least one robotic arm        wherein at least one of said plurality of clutch sub-systems        bi-directionally transmits torque from said motor and comprises:    -   at least one pair of torque transmission clutches, a first one        of said torque transmission clutches being for transmitting        torque in a first direction when said first clutch is activated,        a second one of said torque transmission clutches being for        transmitting torque in a second direction when said second        clutch is activated, said second direction being opposite said        first direction;    -   transmission means for simultaneously transferring torque to        each one of said torque transmission clutches from said drive        motor;        wherein    -   for the or each pair of torque transmission clutches, each        clutch comprises a torque transmission fluid with a viscosity        which depends on an intensity of an electromagnetic field        passing through said fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described byreference to the following figures, in which identical referencenumerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the HIC for a simulated single axismanipulator;

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical MR torque transmission clutch;

FIG. 3 illustrates the magnetic field lines in the clutch of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the various dimensions to be used inthe calculations according to one aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates the field dependence of yield stress for aspecific MR fluid (FIG. 5A) and for a specific ER fluid (FIG. 5B);

FIG. 6 illustrates the reflected inertia vs. actuator torque of an MRFclutch for T′_(c)=5−Nm, l_(d)=1 mm, τ_(y)=40 Kpa, ρ=7.7×10³ kg/m³;

FIG. 7 shows the various radii used in the calculations according to oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the mass of simplified MR fluid clutch modelvs. torque capacity;

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the mass of simplified ER fluid clutch modelvs. torque capacity;

FIG. 10 is a graph showing yield stress vs. electric field of LID 3354Sfor varying temperature;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an MR clutch according to oneaspect of the invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-section views of a section of the MR clutchof FIG. 11 showing the relationship between the input torquetransmission disks and the output torque transmission disks;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the section of the MR clutchof FIG. 12A showing the spacing between the input and output torquetransmission disks;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-section view of the MR clutch of FIG. 13 showingthe placement of a sensor for determining the intensity or strength ofan electromagnetic field passing through the torque transmission fluid;

FIG. 15 is a front view of some of the disks of the MR clutch of FIG. 11illustrating the radial placement of the various sensors in an outputtorque transmission disk;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the components in FIG. 15illustrating the placement of the temperature sensor, theelectromagnetic sensor, and the voids where dowels may be placed tomechanically couple the disks together;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating torque control using the Hallsensors in the implementation of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a distributed active semi-activeactuation system according to another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a pair of clutches in an antagonisticdistributed active semi-active configuration;

FIG. 20 is a cut-away view of an antagonistic distributed activesemi-active actuation system for use as a bidirectional actuation systemusing a single driving motor;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a system that uses multiple instancesof the bidirectional actuation system of FIG. 20 using a single drivingmotor to drive the various instances of the actuation system;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of robotic arm with the drive motor locatedat a bottom portion of the robot;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the robotic arm of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional cut-away view of the robotic arm of FIG. 22illustrating the four clutch mechanisms used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Magneto-rheological (MR) and electro-rheological (ER) fluids are asuspension of micrometer-sized particles in a carrier fluid. Whensubjected to an externally applied field—a magnetic field for MR fluids,and an electric field for ER fluids, the particles aggregate intocolumns aligning themselves in the direction of the applied field.Subsequently, the columns act to resist shearing of the fluidperpendicular to the field. The apparent yield stress of the fluid isdependent on, and increases with the intensity or strength of theapplied field.

Using either MR or ER fluids, a clutch can be constructed such that theamount of torque it transmits can be controlled by the intensity orstrength of an applied field. FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a multi-diskstyle MR fluid clutch while FIG. 3 illustrates the flux path within theMR fluid clutch. The input shaft breaks out into a set of input diskswhich are aligned in parallel to a set of output disks attached to theoutput shaft. MR fluid fills the volume between input and output disks.Rotation of the input shaft causes shearing in the fluid with respect tothe output shaft. By energizing the electromagnetic coil, a field isinduced in the MR fluid altering its apparent viscosity. The outercasing of the MR clutch acts as the magnetic flux path required tocomplete the magnetic circuit. An ER clutch is formed much the same way,however does not require a magnetic coil. Applying a high voltage to theinput shaft while grounding the output shaft allows an electric field tobe induced in the fluid between the input and output disks. Again, thisfield controls the apparent viscosity in the fluid.

A number of models have been developed to describe the behavior of bothMR and ER fluids. The Bingham visco-plastic model is commonly used torepresent the sheer stress of the fluid as a function of the appliedfield, and shear rate. The model is given by

$\begin{matrix}{{\tau = {{\tau_{y}(\Phi)} + {\eta \frac{\upsilon}{z}}}},{\tau > \tau_{y}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

where τ is the shear stress, τ_(y) is the field dependent yield stress,Φ is the applied field (magnetic field intensity H in an MR device orelectric field E in an ER device), η is the Newtonian viscosity, anddv/dz is the velocity gradient in the direction of the field. Applyingthe Bingham visco-plastic model to a clutch, we can define r as theradius from the rotational axis, and l_(f) as the thickness of the fluidfilled gap between input and output disks. In situations where r>>l_(f)for rε[R1,R2] (refer to FIG. 4), the velocity gradient becomes constant.We can then rewrite eqn. (3) as

τ=τ_(y)(Φ)+η{dot over (γ)}(r),τ>τ_(y)  (4)

-   -   where the shear rate γ is defined as

$\begin{matrix}{\overset{.}{\gamma} = \frac{\omega \; r}{l_{f}}} & (5)\end{matrix}$

and ω is the angular velocity between input and output shafts of theclutch. The torque produced by a circumferential element at a radius ris given by.

dT=2πr ² τdr.  (6)

We define a clutch as having N output disks. Substituting (4) into (6)and integrating across both faces of each output disk, we arrive at

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{T = {2N{\int_{R_{1}}^{R_{2}}{2{\pi \left\lbrack {{{\tau_{y}(\Phi)}r^{2}} + {\eta \frac{\omega \; r^{3}}{l_{f}}}} \right\rbrack}\ {r}}}}} \\{= {4N\; {\pi \left\lbrack {\frac{{\tau_{y}(\Phi)}\left( {R_{2}^{3} - R_{1}^{3}} \right)}{3} + \frac{{\eta\omega}\left( {R_{2}^{4} - R_{1}^{4}} \right)}{4l_{f}}} \right\rbrack}}}\end{matrix} & (7)\end{matrix}$

as the torque transmitted by an N-disk clutch. Data relating the yieldstress τ_(y) of a fluid to an applied field are generally published bythe manufacturer. Data for two commercially available fluids arereported in FIGS. 5A and B. FIG. 5A is the field dependence of yieldstress for the MR fluid MRF-132DG produced by Lord Corp. while FIG. 5Bis the field dependence for yield stress for the ER fluid LID 3354Sproduced by Smart Technology Ltd. The viscosity η of the carrier fluidis typically in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 Pa-s. The maximum torquetransmission capability of an MR/ER clutch is dependent on the maximumyield stress the material can produce. MR fluids exhibit saturation intheir yield stress at high field strengths. This is a result of theunderlying physics, and limits the amount of torque a particular MRfluid can transmit in clutch applications. ER fluids on the other hand,experience electrical breakdown at high field strengths, also limitingtheir torque transmission capacity. MR fluids can produce maximum yieldstresses typically in the range of 50 to 100 kPa depending on theirchemistry. Alternatively, this value for ER fluids does not typicallyexceed 10 kPa. It should be noted that more recent research into thefield of ER fluids has produced materials exhibiting a yield stress onpar and even exceeding that of MR fluids.

Both MR and ER fluids respond to an applied field on the order of 1 ms.However, in the case of MR clutch, actuation response becomes delayeddue to field propagation through the magnetic circuit. As the magneticfield propagates from the coil, it is met by an opposing field producedby induction currents in the magnetic circuit. The response delayproduced by this effect is exacerbated by the use of conductive materialin the magnetic circuit. Special design techniques not unlike those usedto construct large power transformers can be adapted to minimize themagnitude of the induced currents.

MR/ER actuators have the characteristic of replacing the reflected rotorinertia of the motor with the reflected inertia of the clutch outputshaft and disks. The benefit of MR/ER actuators is their high torque tooutput moment of inertia ratio as compared to servo motors. To showthis, we approximate the radius of the output shaft to be equivalent toR₁. The moment of inertia of a single output disk, J_(d) is given by

$\begin{matrix}{J_{d} = {\frac{1}{2}{\pi\rho}_{d}{l_{f}\left( {R_{2}^{4} - R_{1}^{4}} \right)}}} & (8)\end{matrix}$

where ρ_(d) is the mass density of the disk material, l_(f) is thethickness of the disk (commonly between 0.5 to 1 mm), and R₁ and R₂define the minor and major radii respectively, of the output disk. If weconsider the torque transmitted solely by the field dependent yieldstress of the MR/ER fluid, the torque transmission of a single disk isthen given by,

$\begin{matrix}{T_{d} = {\frac{4}{3}{{\pi\tau}_{y}\left( {R_{2}^{3} - R_{1}^{3}} \right)}}} & (9)\end{matrix}$

Furthermore, if we consider R₁ to be small, that is R₂>>R1, then thecontribution of the shaft region to both (8), and (9) is also small. Byallowing R1 to equal zero, we can approximate the torque-inertia ratioof a single disk to be

$\begin{matrix}{\alpha = {\frac{T_{d}}{J_{d}} = {\frac{8}{3}\frac{\tau_{y}}{\rho_{d}l_{d}R_{2}}}}} & (10)\end{matrix}$

As observed the ratio becomes less favorable as R₂ increases. Thishowever is not the final measure that dictates the actuator'ssuitability. To grasp the overall effects of increasing radius, andhence torque capacity, the reflected inertia at the joint should beconsidered. The reason for this is that as radius increases along withtorque capacity, the gear ratio required to amplify the actuator'storque decreases. As the actuator inertia multiplies the square of thegear ratio to arrive at the reflected inertia at the joint, the analysisbecomes important. The reflected inertia of the MR/ER clutch at themanipulator joint is given by

$\begin{matrix}{J_{c}^{\prime} = {\frac{1}{2}{\pi\rho}_{d}l_{d}{N\left\lbrack {R_{2}^{4} - R_{1}^{4}} \right\rbrack}G_{r}^{2}}} & (11)\end{matrix}$

where we have included N to multiply the inertia by the number of disksin the clutch. The gear ratio G_(r) is defined as

$\begin{matrix}{G_{r} = \frac{T_{c}^{\prime}}{T_{c}}} & (12)\end{matrix}$

where T′_(c) is the desired torque at the joint, and T_(c) is the outputtorque of the clutch. Rearranging (9) to show the outer radius R₂ as afunction of the clutch output torque yields

$\begin{matrix}{R_{2} = \left( {{\frac{3}{4}\frac{T_{c}}{{\pi\tau}_{y}N}} + R_{1}^{3}} \right)^{1/3}} & (13)\end{matrix}$

We can then write the equation representing the reflected inertia of anMR/ER clutch at the manipulator joint as a function of the clutchtorque.

$\begin{matrix}{J_{c}^{\prime} = {\frac{1}{2}{\pi\rho}_{d}l_{d}{N\left\lbrack {\left( {{\frac{3}{4}\frac{T_{c}}{{\pi\tau}_{y}N}} + R_{1}^{3}} \right)^{4/3} - R_{1}^{4}} \right\rbrack}\left( \frac{T_{c}^{\prime}}{T_{c}} \right)^{2}}} & (14)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 6 shows the values of reflected actuator inertia for a typical MRclutch having between one and 20 disks. The plot also includesequivalent values for commercially available low-inertia servo motors.

To establish the order in which clutch mass compares to that of servomotors as well as the rate at which clutch mass increases with respectto transmittable torque capacity, a mass-torque relationship has to bedeveloped. This is developed using simplified geometric models but theconclusions are still valid.

To develop a relationship between clutch mass and torque capacity for MRfluid clutches, we consider the simplified geometric model detailed inFIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a simplified geometric modelof an MR fluid clutch. In the figure, a single amalgamated shaft extendsthe length of the clutch. Input and output disks are defined as havingequivalent geometric and material properties, sharing minor radius R₁and major radius R₂. The electromagnetic coil windings are containedbetween R₂ and R₃, and R₄ defines the outer surface of the ferrous coreused to complete the magnetic circuit.

Based on the configuration in FIG. 7, we will solve for requiredparametric values through the application of magnetic circuit analysis.We divide the reluctance of the core Rc into three sections, namelyR_(c1), R_(c2), and R_(c3). The symmetric geometry of the model dictatesthe reluctance R_(c2) to be equivalent to that of R_(c3). Thus we definethe reluctance of the core to be

_(c)=

_(c) ₁ 2

_(c) ₂₃   (15)

where R_(c23)=R_(c2)=R_(c3). We have defined a clutch by the number ofoutput disks N coupled to the output shaft. For N output disks, a clutchis required to have N−1 input disks, and a total of 2N MR fluidinterface gaps positioned between the input and output disks. In thesimplified model of FIG. 7, we define both geometric, and materialproperties of the input and output disks to be identical. The disk packassembly thus contains 2N−1 disks, and 2N MR fluid interface gaps. Thereluctance of the disk pack assembly R_(p) can then be written as

_(p)=(2N−1)

_(d)+2N

_(f)  (16)

where R_(d), and R_(f) are the reluctance of a single disk, and thereluctance of a single MR fluid interface gap, respectively. Thereluctance of a material is defined by

$\begin{matrix}{\Re = \frac{l}{\mu_{0}\mu_{r}A}} & (17)\end{matrix}$

where l is the mean length of the flux path through the material,μ₀=4π×10⁻⁷ H/m is the permeability of free space, μ_(r) is the relativepermeability of the material, and A is the cross sectional area of thematerial perpendicular to the flux path. Assuming the mean flux paththrough any of the circuit members lies at its geometric center, we canthen derive the reluctance of the individual components of thesimplified clutch model to be

$\begin{matrix}{\Re_{c_{1}} = \frac{l_{p} + l_{c}}{\mu_{0}\mu_{r_{s}}{\pi \left( {R_{4}^{2} - R_{3}^{2}} \right)}}} & (18) \\\begin{matrix}{{\Re_{c_{23}} = {\int_{\frac{R_{2} + R_{1}}{2}}^{\frac{R_{4} + R_{3}}{2}}\frac{r}{\mu_{0}{\mu_{r_{s}}\left( {2\pi \; r} \right)}l_{c}}}}\ } \\{= \frac{\ln \left( \frac{R_{4} + R_{3}}{R_{2} + R_{1}} \right)}{2\mu_{0}\mu_{r_{s}}\pi \; l_{c}}}\end{matrix} & (19) \\{\Re_{d} = \frac{l_{d}}{\mu_{0}\mu_{r_{s}}{\pi \left( {R_{2}^{2} - R_{1}^{2}} \right)}}} & (20) \\{\Re_{f} = \frac{l_{f}}{\mu_{0}\mu_{r_{f}}{\pi \left( {R_{2}^{2} - R_{1}^{2}} \right)}}} & (21)\end{matrix}$

Here, μ_(rs) is the permeability of steel, the material used for boththe core and disks, μ_(rf) is the permeability of the MR fluid, W_(d) isthe thickness of a single disk, l_(f) is the distance between input andoutput disks forming the MR fluid gap, l_(c) is the thickness of theequivalent core sections, and l_(p) is the length of the disk pack,given by

l _(p)=(2N−1)l _(d)+2Nl _(f)  (22)

The flux in the circuit φ is then given by

$\begin{matrix}{\varphi = \frac{I}{\Re_{c} + \Re_{p}}} & (23)\end{matrix}$

where I is the total electric current through the cross section of themagnetic coil defined as,

I=l _(p)(R ₃ −R ₂)J _(w)  (24)

In eqn. (24), J_(w) is the current density of the coil cross section.The magnetic field intensity H at any point within the circuit isrelated to the circuit flux φ by

$\begin{matrix}{H = \frac{\varphi}{\mu_{0}\mu_{r}A}} & (25)\end{matrix}$

where again, μ_(r) and A are respectively the relative permeability, andcross sectional area of the material at which the magnetic fieldintensity H is to be determined. We now define the parameter τ*_(y) asthe maximum yield stress at which the MR fluid is to operate. Using dataprovided by the MR fluid manufacturer (see FIG. 5A) relating the yieldstress of the fluid to the applied magnetic field, we define H* as themagnetic field intensity in the MR fluid required to produce the yieldstress τ*_(y). Rearranging eqn. (25), and substituting the appropriateMR fluid geometric and material values, we define φ* as the fluxrequired in the circuit to produce H* in the MR fluid,

φ*=μ₀μ_(τ) _(f) π(R ₂ ² −R ₁ ²)H*  (26)

where R₂ is uniquely defined by the parameters T_(c), N, R₁ and τ*_(y)(refer to eqn. (13)). Thus, for the given set of fixed parameters givenin Table I, we solve for the values of R₃, R₄ and l_(c) that satisfyeqn. (23) for φ=φ*, while simultaneously minimizing the clutch massm_(MRC), given by

m _(MRC) =m _(c) +m _(p) +m _(s) +m _(w)

m _(c)=π[(R ₄ ² −R ₃ ²)l _(p)+2(R ₄ ² −R ₁ ²)l _(c)]ρ_(s)

m _(p)=π(2N−1)(R ₂ ² −R ₁ ²)l _(d)ρ_(s)+2πN(R ₂ ² −R ₁ ²)l _(f)ρ_(f)

m _(w)=π(R ₃ ² −R ₂ ²)l _(p)ρ_(cu)

m _(s) =πR ₁ ²(l _(p)+2l _(c))ρ_(al),  (27)

where m_(c) is the mass of the core, m_(p) is the mass of the disk packassembly which includes the MR fluid, m_(s) is the mass of the shaft,and m_(w) is the mass of the magnetic coil. In eqn. (27), ρ_(s), ρ_(f),ρ_(cu), and ρ_(al) are respectively the mass densities of steel, MRfluid, copper, and aluminum. FIG. 8 shows the mass-torque relationshipof the simplified MR clutch model and compares it to a commerciallyavailable servo motor. It is noted that due to the mass overheadassociated with the material required to form the magnetic circuit, themass-torque ratio of MR fluid clutches is less favorable at very lowvalues N.

TABLE I PARAMETER VALUES FOR SIMPLIFIED MR CLUTCH MODEL l_(d) =   1 ×10⁻³ m l_(f) =   5 × 10⁻⁴ m R₁ =   1 × 10⁻² m T_(y) ^(*) = 40 kpa J_(w)= 2.5 × 10⁶ A/m²

The mass of an ER fluid clutch can be similarly approximated by againconsidering the simplified geometric model of FIG. 7. By assigning R₃the value of R₂, the electromagnetic coil effectively vanishes from themodel. We can then express the mass of an ER fluid clutch in terms ofthe mass equations previously developed, that is

m _(ERC) =m _(p) +m _(s) +m _(c)  (28)

however, we substitute the mass density of aluminum ρ_(al) for allcomponents. As ER fluid clutches do not require ferromagnetic metals,there is more freedom to select lighter materials. Again, R₂ is definedby eqn. (13). Thus, given the values of the clutch parameters in TableII, we develop the mass-torque relationship represented in FIG. 9.

In the developed mass-torque relationships of both MR and ER fluidclutches, we observe superior characteristics over the commerciallyavailable servo motor. More impressive is the fact that the mass-torqueratio improves dramatically as the torque transmission capacity of theclutch is increased.

TABLE II PARAMETER VALUES FOR SIMPLIFIED ER CLUTCH MODEL l_(d) =   1 ×10⁻³ m l_(f) =   5 × 10⁻⁴ m l_(c) = 7.5 × 10⁻³ m R₄ = R₂ + l_(c) R₁ =  1 × 10⁻² m T_(y) = 5 kpa

One possible issue with both the MR and ER actuators is that they bothexhibit hysteric behavior. With MR actuators, since they are constructedusing ferromagnetic materials to complete the magnetic circuit, thesematerials exhibit hysteresis in its magnetic induction B to anincreasing and decreasing applied magnetic field H. This means ahysteric relationship between the input current and the output torquetransmission of an MR clutch.

ER actuators can also display hysteric behavior as well. However, for ERactuators, it is the ER fluid and not the surrounding material thatdisplays the field dependent hysteric behavior.

The properties of ER fluids are known to change with temperature.Particularly, the yield stress of ER fluids varies with respect totemperature (FIG. 10). The integration of temperature sensors into an ERclutch would thus prove useful in mitigating error.

Referring to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of an MR clutch developedbased on the above noted calculations is illustrated. The MR clutch hasan input shaft that is belt driven which, in turn, rotates the inputtorque transmission disks (green disks in the Figure) about the centralaxis of the clutch. The input torque transmission disks are interleavedwith the output torque transmission disks (blue disks in the Figure) andbetween these disks is a torque transmission fluid. In the case of theMR clutch, the torque transmission fluid is an MR fluid. The magneticcoil required to create the magnetic field passing through the MR fluidis shown as the orange/copper colored component in the Figure. With themagnetic coil energized, the magnetic field passes through the MR fluidand a rotation of the input torque transmission disks about the centralaxis of the system causes the output torque transmission disks tosimilarly rotate about the central axis.

The mechanical operation of the clutch system can best be explained withrelation to FIGS. 12A and 12B. Both Figures are isometriccross-sectional views of a portion of the clutch system. In bothFigures, it can be seen that the output torque transmission disks (inblue) are interleaved with the input torque transmission disks (ingreen). The orange/copper colored electromagnetic coil is clearlyvisible in both Figures. The outer housing (colored pink) has a topgroove to accommodate an input drive belt. FIG. 13 is a sidecross-sectional view of a portion of the clutch system. The top portionof the outer housing (in pink) is where the drivebelt is positioned. Thetorque transmission fluid is in between the input torque transmissiondisks (in green) and the output torque transmission disks (in blue).

Referring to FIG. 14, a side cross-sectional view of a portion of theclutch system is illustrated. To determine the strength or intensity ofthe electromagnetic field passing through the torque transmission fluid,sensors are placed in at least one of the output torque transmissiondisks. In FIG. 14, the sensor is shown as the white rectangle betweentwo blue torque output transmission disks. The PCB (printed circuitboard) for this sensor is shown as the green rectangle connected to thesensor by a thin white line. It should be noted that while the sensor isplaced with the output torque transmission disks in this embodiment ofthe invention, the sensor may equally be placed with the input torquetransmission disks.

To determine the strength or intensity gradient of the electromagneticfield, multiple sensors may be placed at different locations on eitherof the input or the output torque transmission disks. This may be doneby placing sensors at different radial distances from the central axis.Such a placement would provide a better reading as to the intensity orstrength of the electromagnetic field through the torque transmissionfluid.

It should be noted that for an MR clutch, the sensor could be Halleffect sensors that measure the intensity of magnetic fields. For an ERclutch, the sensor could measure the intensity of the electric fieldthrough the torque transmission fluid.

To better explain the placement of the sensors, FIG. 15 is a front viewof a portion of the clutch showing one of the output torque transmissiondisks and showing the placement of the sensors in suitably dimensionedcavities on this disk. The sensors (the white quasi-rectangularcomponents in the Figure that are attached by wires to green PCBs) areplaced so that they are all at different radial distances from thecentral axis of the clutch. The output of these sensors may be used by acontrol system to accordingly adjust the strength or intensity of theelectromagnetic field. As mentioned above, the higher the intensity orstrength of the electromagnetic field, the higher the viscosity of thetorque transmission fluid and, accordingly, the greater the amount oftorque being transmitted from the input disks to the output disks.

Regarding the sensors for sensing the electromagnetic field intensity,for the MR case, ideally, the magnitude of the magnetic field would belinearly proportional to the input, or drive current. However, due tothe ferromagnetic components required for the magnetic circuit, ahysteric relationship is developed between input current and magnitudeof the magnetic field in the MRC (MR clutch). For this reason, an MRCexplicitly designed for those applications would be better served bybipolar Hall sensors to provide the feedback signal to the controller.Bipolar capability is preferred in the Hall sensors for proper controldue to the potential for overshoot when attempting to drive the magneticfield to zero as well as correcting for the hysteric characteristicbehavior.

It follows that the location of the sensors should reflect theparameter, or value they are intended to measure, namely the magnitudeof the magnetic field in the fluid for the MR clutch. Theoretically, themagnetic flux can be measured anywhere in the magnetic circuit, however,unaccounted dynamics, as well as other circuit anomalies could force usto revisit the problems of sensor collocation. In one implementation,four Hall sensors are thus positioned radially at the axial center ofthe clutch pack such that the orientation of the Hall element is normalto the magnetic flux.

While the fluid itself reacts on the order of milliseconds, the dynamicsof the magnetic field in the fluid can be appreciably slower. Thisreflects the natural inductance developed by the ferromagnetic materialof the clutch. As a result, a radial gradient can form in the magneticfield as it propagates outwards radially. Due to the fast dynamics ofthe fluid, the result is a variable radial distribution of the shearstress developed in the MRF and applied to the disks' surface duringdynamic input current activity. To more accurately calculate outputtorque during such dynamic activity, Hall sensors are positioned atincremental radii covering the shear region within the clutch pack.

It should be noted that the clutch system illustrated in the Figures isan MR clutch system. However, with some adjustments in the materials,the clutch system can similarly be constructed as an ER clutch.

Regarding the manufacture of the MR clutch system illustrated in theFigures, the different materials are color-coded in FIGS. 11-14 asfollows:

-   -   Pink—Nonmagnetic material (aluminum in one embodiment of the        invention) which has a mechanical connection to the outer disks,        as well as being driven by the drive belt. This is sometimes        referred to as the input shaft or input hub.    -   Green—Outer disks made of ferromagnetic material (in one        embodiment, steel was used). Note that these are the input disks        as they are mechanically coupled to the drive belt which forms        the mechanical input.    -   Red—Outer spacers. These are used to ensure disks do not come        into contact with each other. They must be made of nonmagnetic        material. In one embodiment, aluminum was used.    -   Blue—Inner disks (ferromagnetic, steel). Note that these are the        output disks as they are mechanically coupled to the output        shaft located at the radial center of the clutch.    -   Yellow—Inner spacers (nonmagnetic, aluminum).    -   Black—Inner sealing cylinder. This member must be nonmagnetic        and functions to seal the MR fluid inside the clutch pack. It is        perforated by several slits which allow sensor access to the        clutch pack. In one implementation, this was constructed from        plastic.    -   Yellow—Inner spacers (nonmagnetic, aluminum).    -   Orange/Copper—This is the electromagnetic coil. It is wound        using 17 gauge square cross-section copper wire. However, other        suitable materials and configurations may be used. A square        cross-section copper wire was selected as it increased the        density of the wire in the coil compared to regular circular        cross-section copper wire. However, other configurations of wire        (whether having a circular or non-circular cross-section) may be        used.

Given the susceptibility of torque transmission fluid to change incharacteristics due to temperature changes, temperature sensors in theclutch system are recommended. Referring to FIG. 16, the electromagneticsensors can be seen on the torque output transmission disk. Between thetwo sensors shown in the Figure is a temperature sensor. In FIG. 15, thetemperature sensor can be seen between two electromagnetic sensors inthe lower right portion of the output torque transmission disk. Thetemperature sensor can be used to ensure that the system operates withinthe operational limits of the components. Multiple temperature sensorscan be placed at various positions in the system.

To facilitate manufacturability without dramatically affecting theoptimization of the clutch parameters, electromagnetic sensors (Hallsensors for the MR clutch) sensors are housed within a central disksandwiched between two inner shear disks. All disks have equivalentthicknesses so that they may be cut, or stamped from a single sheet.Following a similar pattern, three temperature sensors are preferablylocated within the inner spacers. This provides good thermal coupling tothe fluid. It is important to monitor the temperature of the fluid toensure it does not exceed the prescribed operational limits.

Referring again to FIGS. 16 and 15, the various disks used in the clutchsystem are held together by dowels or other suitable fastening means.The holes or voids (easily visible on the face of the various disks inFIGS. 15 and 16) are used to mechanically couple the disks together. Inone implementation, dowels impale the various disks through the holesand then terminate into bores machined into the side plates. Dowels,however, are not the only option. Splines and spot welds (with attendantchanges to the configuration of the various disks) may also be used.

For the driving motor (the input to the system), the system illustrateduses a drive belt that travels by the channel visible at the top of thecross-sectional diagram in FIG. 14. Other drive transmission means mayalso be used. These include flat belts, V-belts, timing belts, rollerchains, and shaft drives. Of course, use of any of these wouldnecessitate design changes to accommodate the particular method beingused.

The system described above may be used to implement a clutch system withcontrol being based on an estimation of the field sensed by the sensors.For the MR clutch, the Hall sensors may be used to sense the magneticfield and, based on an estimated value for the transmission torque(based on the sensed magnetic field intensity), the magnetic fieldintensity can be adjusted accordingly.

In the specific MR clutch described above, the magnetic field is read atfour radial locations (we can refer to these as r₁ through r₄) via theHall sensors. It should be noted that any number of Hall sensors can beused. However, to detect time varying radial gradients, at least twosensors would be desirable. Given the value returned by the Hall sensorsa reasonable estimate for the transmission torque can be calculated. Thedesired output torque is entered into the system through the torquecommand. The estimated output torque is subtracted from the torquecommand to develop the error signal. The error signal is the input to acontroller (perhaps a proportional-integral-derivative (PID)controller). The output of the controller subsequently commands the MRclutch drive current (the current in the coil producing the magneticfield). If a PID controller is used in this configuration, the PIDcontroller will drive its output to a state such that it minimizes themagnitude of the error signal. In effect, this action causes the systemto deliver an estimate for torque which approaches the torque command.FIG. 17 illustrates a control system which uses this scheme.

The MR clutch described above may be used in any number of ways. Theclutch may be used in conjunction with suitable supporting components ina distributed active semi-active actuation configuration. TheDistributed Active Semi-Active (DASA) actuation configuration locates adriving motor (the active actuator) at the base of the robot, and asemi-active device (either an MR or ER fluid clutch) at the joint (referto FIG. 18). The gear ratios G1 and G2 are balanced to give the desiredmass, and reflected output inertia at the link. Reducing G1 reduces therequirements of the clutch transmission torque which thus reduces themass of the clutch, however the reflected output inertia is inevitablyincreased as G2 must then be increased to compensate. The simplifiedmodels explained above have shown how actuating a joint via an MR or ERfluid clutch can be accomplished at greatly reduced mass and reflectedoutput inertia versus conventional servo motors. The impact on safety isimmediately appreciated as the effective inertia of the link isinstantly reduced. This not only improves manipulator performance, butfurther allows a manipulator to operate at higher velocities whilemaintaining safe HIC values in the event of an uncontrolled collision.Moreover, the clutch itself is back driveable, and can be thought of asexhibiting the properties of an ideal torque source. The characteristicof back drivability has been identified as more than desirable inoperations requiring physical interaction between man and machine as itfacilitates impedance control. While motors themselves are alsointrinsically back drivable, the high ratio gear reductions they requireare often not. Thus, highly performing low weight robots which implementlow mass motors at the expense of high ratio gear reductions rely ontorque sensors in the control loop to electronically implementback-drivable behavior. MR and ER clutches possesses a superiormass-torque ratio over their servo motor counterparts and thus can bedesigned to require much lower ratio gear reductions, if not developedas single unit direct-drive component, either way retaining theirintrinsic back-drivability. MR and ER clutches have the added benefit ofuniform torque transmission independent of armature position, unlikeservo motors which suffer from nonlinearities such as cogging torque.

Relocating the driving motor to the base of a robot to reduce the massat the link in has previously had some drawbacks. It has been arestrictive practice as the newly required transmission responsible forbringing mechanical power from the base to the joint has commonlyintroduced unwanted friction and compliance which have reducedperformance, and complicated the control system. The DASA implementationhowever can be controlled to operate in a region in which torquetransmission is relatively immune to perturbation in the relativeangular velocity ω within the clutch, effectively allowing the clutch toact as a mechanical power filter. This characteristic which will beexplained momentarily allows the DASA system to function with less thanideal mechanical transmission while maintaining the performance andcharacteristics of a ‘stiff’ transmission at the joint. To explain this,we consider that the Bingham model is accurate for describing therheology of the fluid for shear stress τ above the field dependant yieldstress τ_(y) as expressed in (3). It is this ‘Bingham region’ in whichwe wish the clutch to operate in order to benefit from theaforementioned characteristics. Below the yield stress τ_(y) however,the fluid exhibits Newtonian characteristics, that is to say that τgrows with a non-negligible proportionality to the shear rate {dot over( )}γ. We can thus attribute a field dependant shear rate threshold {dotover ( )}γ* below which the fluid exhibits Newtonian characteristics,and above which the Bingham model applies. To maintain the clutch in theBingham region, the fluid at any radius r within the clutch mustmaintain a shear rate {dot over ( )}γ above {dot over ( )}γ*. Toguarantee this condition, we define the field dependant angular velocityω*, the threshold above which operation in the Bingham region is ensuredas

$\begin{matrix}{\omega^{*} = {\frac{{\overset{.}{\gamma}}^{*}l_{f}}{R_{1}}.}} & (29)\end{matrix}$

We come to (29) by rearranging (5) and substituting r with its minimumvalue R₁. R₁ must be used as it is the critical radius at which thelowest shear rate {dot over ( )}γ occurs within the clutch. The controlstrategy should therefore attempt to avoid entering the Newtonian regionby controlling the motor angular velocity ω_(m) to satisfy the condition

|ω_(m)|=|ω_(j)−ω*|+ε*  (30)

where ω_(j) is the angular velocity of the joint, and ε* is a fielddependent error margin selected to ensure that the dynamics of the motorhave enough time to react to quickly varying values of ω_(j). ε* must belarge enough to ensure ω≧ω* under all dynamic situations, however exactcalculation of ε* may be difficult as there is a reliance on empiricaldata associated with the dynamics of the joint/link. Care must be taken,however, to avoid unnecessary power dissipation, which for a clutch isdefined as P_(d)=Tω. Because ω tracks ω*+ε*, the value selected for ε*cannot be arbitrarily large. Crossing into the Newtonian region isrequired to alter the direction of the torque transmitted to the linkwhen utilizing a single clutch to implement the DASA system. As themotor must change the direction of its output rotation, the clutchtorque transmission momentarily enters a dead-zone (courtesy of theNewtonian characteristics), the extent of time in which spent isdependent on the dynamic capabilities of the motor. This has thepotential, and in fact the probability of creating substantial backlash,which could severely handicap the system's ability to effectivelyaccomplish precision position control.

Another configuration of the DASA system is the antagonisticconfiguration. An antagonistic configuration of the DASA system isintended to increase performance, and rectify the shortcomings of thesingle clutch DASA system discussed above. FIG. 19 is a schematicrepresentation of the DASA antagonistic clutch configuration. FIG. 20shows how an antagonistic clutch assembly (an MR-type clutch assembly inthis case) could be coupled to a link.

In the configuration in FIG. 20, the transmission shaft drives the inputto both clutches through the transmission means (in this case, gears),however in opposite directions with respect to one another. Theantagonistic output of the two clutches is coupled to the link. Byenergizing one of the two clutches, torque can be transmitted in eitherthe clockwise, or counterclockwise direction. Thus, the antagonisticconfiguration allows for torque transmission to the joint to alterdirection without altering the direction of the motor output, therebyeliminating the backlash introduced by the single clutch DASA. Suchdevices have been developed for ER fluids. Maintaining rotation of themotor shaft, the bandwidth of the antagonistic-DASA output is limited bythe charging and the discharging of the relevant field required toactivate the clutch pair. It is anticipated that an antagonistic DASAimplementation utilizing ER clutches will have a higher controllablebandwidth over an MR DASA equivalent. This is due to the short chargetime associated with electric fields as compared to the propagation ofthe magnetic field through the magnetic circuit of an MR clutch.

If we label the two clutches of an Antagonistic DASA assembly as C1, andC2, then the motor's angular velocity should track

ω_(m)=max{|ω_(j)−ω*₁|,|ω*₂−ω_(j)|}+ε*  (31)

to avoid entering the Newtonian region of operation in either clutch.ω*₁ is the angular velocity of the Bingham region threshold for clutchC1, while ω*₂ is the angular velocity of the Bingham region thresholdfor clutch C₂. Note that in our convention, clutch C₂ has its inputreversed in direction with respect to clutch C₁, that is

ω₁=ω_(j)−ω_(m)  (32)

ω₂=ω_(j)−ω_(m).  (33)

The torque production for an Antagonistic-DASA system operating in theBingham region is then given by

$\begin{matrix}{T_{A - {DASA}} = \left\lbrack {{T_{1}\left( \Phi_{1} \right)} + {T_{2}\left( \Phi_{2} \right)} - {\frac{2{\pi\eta}{\omega_{j}}}{l_{f}}\left( {R_{2}^{4} - R_{1}^{4}} \right)}} \right\rbrack} & (34)\end{matrix}$

where T₁ and T₂ are the field dependant torques produced by clutches C1,and C2 respectively, given by

$\begin{matrix}{T_{1} = {\frac{4\pi}{3}{\tau_{y}\left( \Phi_{1} \right)}\left( {R_{2}^{3} - R_{1}^{3}} \right){{sgn}\left( \omega_{1} \right)}}} & (35) \\{T_{2} = {\frac{4\pi}{3}{\tau_{y}\left( \Phi_{2} \right)}\left( {R_{2}^{3} - R_{1}^{3}} \right){{sgn}\left( \omega_{2} \right)}}} & (36)\end{matrix}$

in which Φ1, and Φ2 are the fields produced in clutches C1, and C2,respectively. Note that the individual viscous torque contributions ofC1 and C2 negate each other at the joint when ω_(j)=0. As viscosity ofthis class of fluids does not always obey ideal models, the antagonisticconfiguration can effectively mitigate some nonlinearities which wouldotherwise have to be compensated for by the controller.

The Antagonistic-DASA configuration translates a unidirectional activedrive into a bidirectional actuation unit. We can consider theunidirectional drive as an independently controlled source of mechanicalpower. The antagonistic clutch assembly then loads the mechanical drivewith the torque requirement dictated by the controller. Increasing theoutput power specification of the active drive allows for theintroduction of multiple antagonistic clutch assemblies to independentlyload the active drive simultaneously. Pluralization of the antagonisticclutch assembly allows for the actuation system of multiple joints (orconceivably an entire manipulator) to be actively driven by a singlemotor located at the base. FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of thePA-DASA system. The motivation to pluralize the DASA system stems fromthe excessive cost resulting from associating both motor drive, andantagonistic clutch assembly with each joint utilizing the system.Moreover, if we attribute any credit to the anticipation that clutchesof this type can be produced in mass at a considerable cost saving overservo motors, we may then expect overall production costs of PA-DASAmanipulators to be much lower than equivalent manipulators actuatedentirely by servo motors.

Referring to FIGS. 22, 23, and 24, illustrations of the robot notedabove are presented. As can be seen, the robot has a single drive motorlocated at the base portion of the robot (seen more clearly in FIG. 23).FIG. 24 illustrates that there are three sets of clutches in the robot,two of which are in color—a first set closest to the drive motor, asecond set above the first set, and a third, smaller set at the top ofthe robot to which only two drive belts are coupled. The third set ofclutches is not shown in cut-away in FIG. 24. The drive motor shaftturns in one direction and, as in the configuration in FIG. 20, thisturns two gears and thereby two drive belts in opposite directions (seeFIG. 23 and the two white colored drive belts). Each drive belt thenturns an input shaft to a clutch assembly in the first set of clutches.That clutch assembly in the first set then transfers torque and drives aclutch output drive belt to another clutch assembly in the second set ofclutches. The second set of clutches then transfers torque further tothe third set of clutches which directly moves the robot arm up or down.From FIG. 23, the two outer drive belts (dark colored) are the inputdrive belts to the input shafts of the two clutch assemblies in thesecond set of clutches. The two inner drive belts in FIG. 23 are theoutput clutch drive belts of the second set of clutches and are coupledto the output shafts of the clutch assemblies in the second set ofclutches. These inner drive belts are then coupled to the input shaftsof the third set of clutches at the top of the robot.

It should be noted that the robot is capable of being rotated about itsvertical axis as if on a platform. Referring to FIG. 22, a yellow cable(also visible in FIG. 23) is coupled to the first set of clutches. Theyellow cable (preferably aircraft cable wire) is wrapped about the baseor platform of the robot as can be seen in FIG. 23. By activating one orthe other of the first set of clutches, the cable rotates the robot ineither the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

The second set of clutches receives torque from the first set ofclutches and also transfers torque to the third set of clutches. Aswell, the second set of clutches moves the arm (coupled to the third setof clutches) up and down. This arm is dark colored in FIG. 22 and isbetween the first set of clutches and the third set of clutches. Again,by selecting one or the other of the clutches in the second set ofclutches (illustrated in cut-away in FIG. 24 above the first set), thearm can be moved up or down.

Referring again to FIG. 22, the third set of clutches at the topmostjoint of the robot moves the end of the robot up or down. This third setreceives torque from the second set of clutches and can be seen in FIG.22 as having only two drive belts coupled to it. As with the other setsof clutches, this third set of clutches moves the end of the robot up ordown depending on which clutch is active.

Referring to FIG. 24, the cut-away view illustrates four clutchassemblies (in color) of the robot. These four comprise the clutches inthe first and second sets of clutches. As can be seen, the two topclutch assemblies in cut-away have output drive belts coupled to theclutch assemblies at the top joint of the robotic arm. The robot inthese Figures has the advantage of the Antagonistic-DASA configurationas well as the safety margin provided by the clutch assembly explainedabove. The Antagonistic-DASA configuration allows a singleunidirectional drive motor to be used as a dual directional actuationunit. In the robot of FIGS. 22, 23, and 24, by simply judiciouslyactivating and deactivating specific clutch assemblies, the robotic armand its end can made to independently move up or down and the robot canbe made to rotate about its vertical axis without having to change thedirection of the drive motor. As well, all of the clutch assembliesprovide the requisite safety margin in the event of an unintendedcollision between the arm and a human.

A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternativestructures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which areintended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in theclaims that follow.

1. A clutch system for transmitting torque from an input shaft to anoutput shaft, the system comprising: a plurality of input torquetransmission disks coupled to said input shaft; a plurality of outputtorque transmission disks coupled to said output shaft, portions of saidinput torque transmission disks being interleaved with portions of saidoutput torque transmission disks; a torque transmission fluid disposedbetween said interleaved input torque transmission disks and outputtorque transmission disks, said torque transmission fluid having aviscosity which changes based on a strength of an electromagnetic fieldpassing through said transmission fluid; field means for providing anelectromagnetic field which passes through said torque transmissionfluid; a plurality of sensors for measuring a strength of saidelectromagnetic field at different radial positions along either of saidinput torque transmission disks or said output torque transmissiondisks.
 2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a controlsystem for controlling an output of said field means based on an outputof said plurality of sensors, said control system controlling a strengthof said electromagnetic field to control an amount of torque beingtransmitted.
 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein saidelectromagnetic field is a magnetic field.
 4. A system according toclaim 1, wherein said electromagnetic field is an electrical field.
 5. Asystem according to claim 3, wherein said torque transmission fluid is amagneto-rheological fluid.
 6. A system according to claim 4, whereinsaid torque transmission fluid is an electro-rheological fluid.
 7. Asystem according to claim 4, wherein said field means is anelectromagnet.
 8. A system according to claim 7, wherein saidelectromagnet comprises coils using wire having a non-circularcross-section.
 9. A system according to claim 7, wherein saidelectromagnet comprises coils using wire having a rectangularcross-section.
 10. A method for transmissible torque control whichtransfers torque from an input shaft to an output shaft in a clutchsystem using a torque transmission fluid which has a viscosity thatchanges based on an electromagnetic field passing through said fluid,the method comprising: a) activating an electromagnetic field to passthrough said torque transmission fluid; b) applying an input torque tosaid input shaft; c) determining a strength of said electromagneticfield; d) estimating an amount of torque being transmitted from saidinput shaft to said output shaft; e) adjusting said electromagneticfield based on said amount of torque estimated in step d) f) repeatingsteps c)-e) until a desired amount of torque is being transmitted fromsaid input shaft to said output shaft.
 11. A method according to claim10, wherein said clutch system comprises: a plurality of input torquetransmission disks coupled to said input shaft; a plurality of outputtorque transmission disks coupled to said output shaft, portions of saidinput torque transmission disks being interleaved with portions of saidoutput torque transmission disks; said torque transmission fluiddisposed between said interleaved input torque transmission disks andoutput torque transmission disks, said torque transmission fluid havinga viscosity which changes based on a strength of said electromagneticfield passing through said transmission fluid; field means for providingan electromagnetic field which passes through said torque transmissionfluid; a plurality of sensors for measuring a strength of saidelectromagnetic field at different radial positions along either of saidinput torque transmission disks or said output torque transmissiondisks.
 12. A system for bi-directional torque transmission from a singledrive motor, the system comprising: at least one pair of torquetransmission clutches, a first one of said torque transmission clutchesbeing for transmitting torque in a first direction when said firstclutch is activated, a second one of said torque transmission clutchesbeing for transmitting torque in a second direction when said secondclutch is activated, said second direction being opposite said firstdirection; transmission means for simultaneously transferring torque toeach one of said torque transmission clutches from said drive motor;wherein for the or each pair of torque transmission clutches, eachclutch comprises a torque transmission fluid with a viscosity whichdepends on an intensity of an electromagnetic field passing through saidfluid.
 13. A system according to claim 12, wherein at least one torquetransmission clutch of said at least one pair of torque transmissionclutches comprises: a plurality of input torque transmission diskscoupled to said input shaft; a plurality of output torque transmissiondisks coupled to said output shaft, portions of said input torquetransmission disks being interleaved with portions of said output torquetransmission disks; a torque transmission fluid disposed between saidinterleaved input torque transmission disks and output torquetransmission disks, said torque transmission fluid having a viscositywhich changes based on a strength of an electromagnetic field passingthrough said transmission fluid; field means for providing anelectromagnetic field which passes through said torque transmissionfluid; a plurality of sensors for measuring a strength of saidelectromagnetic field at different radial positions along either of saidinput torque transmission disks or said output torque transmissiondisks.
 14. A system according to claim 7, wherein said electromagnetcomprises coils using wire having a circular cross-section.
 15. A systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said system is deployed on a robot.
 16. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein said input shaft is mechanicallycoupled to a drive motor, said drive motor being located at a base of arobot.
 17. A system according to claim 12 wherein said single drivemotor is located at a base of a robot.
 18. A system according to claim 1wherein said system is located at a joint of a robot.
 19. A systemaccording to claim 12 wherein said system is located at a joint of arobot.
 20. A system for actuating at least one robotic arm in a robot,the system comprising: a single drive motor located at a base of saidrobot; a plurality of clutch sub-systems mechanically coupled to saiddrive motor and to said at least one robotic arm, said clutchsub-systems operating to transmit torque from said drive motor to saidat least one robotic arm wherein at least one of said plurality ofclutch sub-systems transmits torque from an input shaft to an outputshaft and comprises: said input shaft and said output shaft; a pluralityof input torque transmission disks coupled to said input shaft; aplurality of output torque transmission disks coupled to said outputshaft, portions of said input torque transmission disks beinginterleaved with portions of said output torque transmission disks; atorque transmission fluid disposed between said interleaved input torquetransmission disks and output torque transmission disks, said torquetransmission fluid having a viscosity which changes based on a strengthof an electromagnetic field passing through said transmission fluid;field means for providing an electromagnetic field which passes throughsaid torque transmission fluid; a plurality of sensors for measuring astrength of said electromagnetic field at different radial positionsalong either of said input torque transmission disks or said outputtorque transmission disks.
 21. A system according to claim 20 whereinsaid at least one of said plurality of clutch sub-systems furthercomprises a control system for controlling an output of said field meansbased on an output of said plurality of sensors, said control systemcontrolling a strength of said electromagnetic field to control anamount of torque being transmitted.
 22. A system for actuating at leastone robotic arm in a robot, the system comprising: a single drive motorlocated at a base of said robot; a plurality of clutch sub-systemsmechanically coupled to said drive motor and to said at least onerobotic arm, said clutch sub-systems operating to transmit torque fromsaid drive motor to said at least one robotic arm wherein at least oneof said plurality of clutch sub-systems bi-directionally transmitstorque from said motor and comprises: at least one pair of torquetransmission clutches, a first one of said torque transmission clutchesbeing for transmitting torque in a first direction when said firstclutch is activated, a second one of said torque transmission clutchesbeing for transmitting torque in a second direction when said secondclutch is activated, said second direction being opposite said firstdirection; transmission means for simultaneously transferring torque toeach one of said torque transmission clutches from said drive motor;wherein for the or each pair of torque transmission clutches, eachclutch comprises a torque transmission fluid with a viscosity whichdepends on an intensity of an electromagnetic field passing through saidfluid.